Mounting clip and cover for door jamb switch



Feb. 10, 1959 E. N. JACAMAN 2,873,333

MOUNTING CLIP AND COVER FOR DOOR JAMB SWITCH Filed June 11, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 Fly 7 l2 62 Fly 8 Emilio IV. Jacaman mmvrox BY m l-3 United States Patent MOUNTING CLIP AND COVER FOR DOOR JAMB SWITCH Emilio N. Jacaman, Laredo, Tex.

Application June 11, 1957, Serial No. 665,070

6 Claims. (Cl. 200-468) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in accessories for switches, and more specifically to an improved mounting clip and cover assembly for use in conjunction with door jamb switches of the type having spring loaded push buttons for actuators.

Door jam switches are used in many types of equipment. The most universal use of. such switches is in automobiles and refrigerators. Each of these door jamb switches is provided with spring loaded actuators of the push button type, the push button being normally engaged by the door when the door is in'a closed position to retain the switch in an off position and being actuated by the spring thereof to project the push button operator when the door is opened whereby the switches move to a on position. However, there are many instances where it is desired to render the switch inoperative so that the switch remains in an ofi position. This is particularly true of automobiles.

It is therefore the primary object of this invention to provide an improved mounting clip and cover assembly which is of such a construction whereby when installed in place, the mounting clip serves as a suitable support for the cover and the cover is provided with an opening therethrough of a size to receive the push button operator of a switch whereby when the cover is in a position overlying the clip, the operation of the door jamb switch is conventional and when it is so desired to render the door jamb switch inoperative, it is merely necessary to push the push button in and slide the cover down so that it retains the push button in its inner position and thus renders the switch in an bit position.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mounting clip and cover assembly for door jamb switches, the mounting clip and cover being of such a construction whereby the assembly is a universal one, the assembly being readily adaptable for use in conjunction with all types of door jamb switches.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved door jamb switch mounting clip and cover assembly, the assembly being of an extremely simple I construction whereby the cost of manufacture thereof is very low and at the same time the cover and mounting clip assembly being of such a nature whereby it is very effective for the intended purpose.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved mounting clip and cover assembly for door jamb switches, the mounting clip being of such a nature whereby it may readily be mounted with respect to existing types of door jamb switches or may function as the escutcheon plate of a switch, the mounting clip having trackways on opposite side edges thereof in 'which are received edge flanges of the cover and there being provided suitable frictional engagement between the cover and the mounting clip whereby the cover will be retained in an adjusted position.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective of a door frame jamb and shows mounted thereon in combination with a door jamb switch the mounting clip and cover assembly which is the subject of this invention, the cover being shown in a position between the door jamb switch in an off position;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 22 of Figure l and shows the relationship between the mounting clip and cover assembly, the door jamb switch and the door frame jamb;

Figure 3 is a sectional view similar to Figure 2 and shows the cover in a position permitting the normal operation of the door jamb switch;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 44 of Figure l and shows further the details of the assembly;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of the door frame jamb and shows the assembly with the cover re moved in order to illustrate the relationship between the mounting clip and the escutcheon plate of the door jamb switch;

Figure 6 is an exploded perspective View of the mounting clip and cover assembly and shows the specific details of the cover assembly;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary elevational view similar to Figure 5 and shows the mounting clip mounted in conjunction with a modified form of door jamb switch;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 88 of Figure 7 and shows the details of mounting of the modified form of door jamb switch;

Figure 9 is an elevational view similar to Figure 5 and shows the relationship of the mounting clip with still another form of door jamb switch;

Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 10--l0 of Figure 9 and shows the details of mounting of the modified form of door jamb switch;

Figure 11 is an elevational view showing a form of the invention wherein the mounting clip also functions as the escutcheon plate for the door jamb switch; and

Figure 12 is a vertical sectional View taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 12-12 of Figure 11 and shows further the details of the switch of Figure 11.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in Figure 6 a mounting clip and cover assembly for a door jamb switch of the spring loaded push-button actuator type, the mounting clip and cover assembly being referred to in general by the reference numeral 10. The mounting clip cover assembly 10 includes a mounting clip which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 12, and a cover which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 14.

The mounting clip 12 includes a generally rectangular body portion 16 which has rounded corners as at 18. The central part of the body portion 16 is provided with an enlarged opening 20 which is of a configuration to receive conventional door jamb switches of numerous types so thatthe mounting clip 12 may be a universal mounting clip. Formed in vertical alignment along the center of the body portion 16 is a pair of elongated slots disposed above and below the opening 20. Also in alignment with the slots 22, but disposed above the uppermost slot 22 is an opening 24. The slots 22 and the opening 24 are intended for the purpose of receiving fastenersutilized in the mounting of both the door jamb switches and the mounting clip 12.

It is to be understood that the mounting clip 12 will be mounted in conjunction with a door jamb switch after the door jamb switch has been originally mounted. In order to facilitate the movement of the mounting clip 12 over the electrical wires connected to the door jamb switch without disconnecting such wires from the door jamb switch, the body portion 16 is provided with an elongated slit 26. The slit 26 extends from the bottom edge of the body portion 16 up through and into the opening 20. Thus the lower portions of the body portion 16 may be sprung out of alignment to permit the passage of the mounting clip 12 over an electric wire.

In order to facilitate the mounting of the cover 14, the side edges of the body portion 16 are provided with opposed trackways 28 which are of a channel shape crosssection, as is best shown in Figure 4. Also, in order to retain the cover 14 in frictional engagement with the trackways 28, there is struck from an upper part of the body portion 16 adjacent the trackways 28 tabs 30. The tabs 30 are intended to engage the underside of the cover 14 and urge it outwardly.

Like the mounting clip 12, the cover 14 also includes a body portion 32 which is generally rectangular in outline and which is provided with rounded corners 34. However, in lieu of being flat, as is the body portion 16, the body portion 32 is bowed, as is best shown in Figure 4. The bowed body portion 32 terminates in side flanges 36 which are flat and which are coplanar. The body portion 32 is also provided with a central opening 38 of a size to permit the passage of a push button actuator of a door jamb switch.

The upper edge of the body portion 32 terminates in a pair of inwardly directed flanges 40. The flanges 40 are transversely spaced and project inwardly to the point where they will engage the upper edges of the tab 30.

Thus the downward movement of the cover 14 with respect to the mounting clip 12 may be limited, as is best shown in Figure 2.

Referring now to Figure 4 in particular, it willbe seen that when the cover 14 is assembled with the mounting clip 12, the flanges 36 of the cover are disposed within the trackways 28. Further, the tabs 30 engage the under or rear side of the cover 14 and thus resiliently urge the cover 14 away from the mounting clip 12 thus retaining the flanges 36 in frictional engagement with the track- Ways 28. This permits the cover 14 to be frictionally retained in a selected position.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a door frame jamb 42 which has an opening 44 therein. Passed through the opening 44 is a body 46 of a conventional type of door jamb switch 48. The door jamb switch 48 has connected thereto a wire 50 to facilitate the controlling of an electrical circuit with the door jamb switch 48. The door jamb switch 48 is also provided with an escutcheon plate 52 which is utilized in the mounting of the door jamb switch 48 on the door frame jamb 42. Operation of the door jamb switch 48 is controlled by a spring loaded push button actuator 54 which normally projects through the escutcheon plate 52.

The door jamb switch 48 is normally retained in place by screw type fasteners 56 which are passed through the escutcheon plate 52 and the door frame jamb 42. When it is desired to mount the mounting clip and cover assembly 19 with respect to the door jamb switch 48, it is necessary to first remove the fasteners 56. Then the door jamb switch 48 is pulled from the door frame jamb 42. Next the body portion 16 of the mounting clip 12 is passed over the wire 5d and the body portion 46 of the door jamb switch 48 passes through the opening 20. The mounting clip 12 having been assembled with the door jamb switch 48, the door jamb switch body portion 46 is again inserted through the opening 44 in the door frame jamb 42. The fasteners 56 are aligned with the slots 22 and are passed therethrough and then through the door frame jamb 42 to retain the mounting clip 12 and the door jamb switch 48 in place. The cover 14 may now he slid down over the mounting clip 12 and over the push button actuator 54 after it has been depressed.

In Figures 1 and 2, the cover 14 is illustrated in a position rendering the door jamb switch 48 in an off position. At this time, the push button receiving opening 38 is out of alignment with the push button 54 and retains it in a retracted position.

The door jamb switch 48 will operate in its normal manner when the cover 14 is in alignment with the mounting clip 12, as is best shown in Figure 3. When the push button receiving opening 38 is aligned with the push button 54, the push button 54 projects therethrough and is engageable by a door portion, such as the door portion 58 shown in Figure 3. Engagement of the door portion with the push button actuator 54 retains the push button actuator 54 within the body portion 46 sufficiently to retain the door jamb switch 48 in an oft" position. When the door of which the portion 58 is a part is opened, the push button actuator 54 is spring urged outwardly to a on position.

Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, it will be seen that there is illustrated a modified form of door jamb switch 60 which includes a body portion 62 and a circular escutcheon plate 64. The door jamb switch 60 is retained in place with respect to the door frame jamb 42 by means of spring clips 66 disposed on opposite sides of the body portion 62, the clip 66 being engaged behind the door frame jamb 58, as is best shown in Figure 8. It is to be noted that the opening 20 is of a configuration to permit the passage of the clip 66.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 10 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a modified form of door jamb switch which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 63. The door jamb switch 68 includes a body portion 70 and an escutcheon plate 72. The door jamb switch 68 differs from the door jamb switch 48 only in that the escutcheon plate 72 is of a different configura tion.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a modified form of door jamb switch 74 which includes a body portion 76. The body portion 76 is secured to the mounting clip 12 which also functions as the escutcheon plate.

From the foregoing description of the invention, it will be seen that there has been devised a mounting clip and cover assembly which may have universal application with respect to door jamb switches for the purpose of selectively rendering the door jamb switches inoperative irrespective of whether or not the door with which the door jamb switches are associated is in an opened or a closed position.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A mounting clip and cover assembly for door jamb switches of the spring loaded push button type, said clip comprising a flat body portion, said body portion having a push button opening, said body portion including side edges, opposed trackways along said side edges, said cover being of a bowed cross-section and including side flanges, said side flanges being seated in said trackways for sliding movement, said cover having a push button opening selectively aligned with said first mentioned push button opening, whereby said cover may be selectively positioned asvasse for normal operation of a switch or retaining the switch in an open condition, said body portion having tabs disposed adjacent said trackways, said tabs projecting from said body portion and engaging said cover to retain said flanges in frictional engagement with said trackways.

2. A mounting clip and cover assembly for door jamb switches of the spring loaded push button type, said clip comprising a flat body portion, said body portion having a push button opening, said body portion including side edges, opposed trackways along said side edges, said cover being of a bowed cross-section and including side flanges, said side flanges being seated in said trackways for sliding movement, said cover having a push button opening selectlvely aligned with said first mentioned push button opening, whereby said cover may be selectively positioned for normal operation of a switch or retaining the switch in an open position, said body portion having tabs disposed adjacent said trackways, said tabs projecting from said body portion and engaging said cover to retain said flanges in frictional engagement with said trackways, said tabs being disposed adjacent one end of said body portion, an end flange on one end of said cover for engagement with said tabs to limit movement of said cover relative to said clip.

3. In combination with a door jamb switch assembly including a door jamb, a door jamb switch mounted on said door jamb and having a body projecting therethrough, said door jamb switch having an escutcheon plate disposed exteriorly of said door jamb, fastening means extending between said escutcheon plate and said door jamb mounting said door jamb switch on said door jamb, said door jamb switch also including a retractible spring loaded push button actuator normally projecting through and outwardly of said escutcheon plate; a mount ing clip and cover assembly, said mounting clip comprising a flat body portion, said switch body and said fastening means passing through said flat body portion and said escutcheon plate engaging said fiat body portion in faceto-face relation and clamping said mounting clip against said door jamb, said flat body portion having side edges, opposed trackways along said side edges, said cover being of a bowed cross-section to clear said escutcheon plate and including side flanges, said side flanges being seated in said trackways for sliding movement, said cover having a push button receiving opening whereby said cover may be selectively positioned for the normal operation of said door jamb switch or for retaining said push button actuator in a depressed position and said door jamb switch in an open condition.

4. In combination with a door jamb switch assembly including a door jamb, a door jamb switch mounted on said door jamb and having a body projecting there- 7 through, said door jamb switch having an escutcheon plate disposed exteriorly of said door jamb, fastening means extending between said escutcheon plate and said door jamb mounting said door jamb switch on said door jamb, said door jamb switch also including a retractible spring loaded push button actuator normally projecting through and outwardly of said escutcheon plate; a mounting clip and cover assembly, said mounting clip comprising a flat body portion, said switch body and said fastening means passing through said fiat body portion and said escutcheon plate engaging said flat body portion in face-to-face relation and clamping said mounting clip against said door jamb, said flat body portion having side edges, opposed trackways along said side edges, said cover being of a bowed cross-section to clear said escutcheon plate and including side flanges, said side flanges being seated in said trackways for sliding movement, said cover having a push button receiving opening whereby said cover may be selectively positioned for the normal operation of said door jamb switch or for retaining said push button actuator in a depressed position and said door jamb switch in an open condition,

6 said cover being of substantially the same length as said mounting clip and when said push button actuator is projecting therethrough, covers the remainder of said door jamb switch and substantially covers said mounting clip.

5. In combination with a door jamb switch assembly including a door jamb, a door jamb switch mounted on said door jamb and having a body projecting therethrough, said door jamb switch having an escutcheon plate disposed exteriorly of said door jamb, fastening means extending between said escutcheon plate and said door jamb mounting said door jamb switch on said door jamb, said door jamb switch also including a retractible spring loaded push button actuator normally projecting through and outwardly of said escutcheon plate; a mounting clip and cover assembly, said mounting clip comprising a flat body portion, said switch body and said fastening means passing through said flat body portion and said escutcheon plate engaging said flat body portion in face-to-face relation and clamping said mounting clip against said door jamb, said flat body portion having side edges, opposed trackways along said side edges, said cover being of a bowed cross-section to clear said escutcheon plate and including side flanges, said side flanges being seated in said trackways for sliding movement, said cover having a push button receiving opening whereby said cover may be selectively positioned for the normal operation of said door jamb switch or for re taining said push button actuator in a depressed position and said door jamb switch in an open condition, said body portion having tabs disposed adjacent said trackways, said tabs projecting from said body portion engaging said cover to retain said flanges in frictional engagement with said trackways whereby said cover is retained in the last moved position.

6. In combination with a door jamb switch assembly including a door jamb, a door jamb switch mounted on said door jamb and having a body projecting there through, said door jamb switch having an escutcheon plate disposed exteriorly of said door jamb, fastening means extending between said escutcheon plate and said door jamb mounting said door jamb switch on said door jamb, said door jamb switch also including a retractible spring loaded push button actuator normally projecting through and outwardly of said escutcheon plate; a mounting clip and cover assembly, said mounting clip comprising a flat body portion, said switch body and said fastening means passing through said fiat body portion and saidescutcheon plate engaging said flat body portion in face-to-face relation and clamping said mounting clip against said door jamb, said flat body portion having side edges, opposed trackways along said side edges, said cover being of a bowed cross-section to clear said escutcheon plate and including side flanges, said side flanges being seated in said trackways for sliding movement, said cover having a push button receiving opening whereby said cover may be selectively positioned for the normal operation of said door jamb switch or for retaining said push button actuator in a depressed position and said door jamb switch in an open condition, said body portion having tabs disposed adjacent said trackways, said tabs projecting from said body portion engaging said cover to retain said flanges in frictional engagement with said trackways whereby said cover is retained in the last moved position, said tabs being disposed adjacent one end of said body portion, and an end flange on one end of said cover for engagement with said tabs to limit movement of said cover relative to said clip.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,786,911 Morgan Mar. 26, 1957 

